The tragic accident has seen messages of support sent to Heap and his family from across the US – including from his former sports teams and NFL players.

In a statement seen by the Associated Press, Arizona State said: "The Heaps have contributed so much to the Arizona State Sun Devils, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals communities, and we hope their family, friends and our respective communities can provide them with love and support as they work through this unspeakable heartbreak."

Mormon Heap had previously spoken about his four children in interviews, stating in a 2015 talk with the Ravens' senior vice president Kevin Byrne: "I just got done jumping on the trampoline with my 2-year-old daughter and it's hard to get a bigger smile than that. I took all three of my boys golfing this morning. That was a lot of fun. (My wife) Ashley makes me smile every day. Family and all of the events we do, that regularly makes me smile."

Police are investigating the tragedy but said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.